In the vast grasslands of Inner Mongolia, a rhythmic pulse echoes through generations as Hongmei, now in her 70s, continues to preserve Sauurdin – a mesmerizing traditional dance recognized among China's intangible cultural heritage treasures. Her journey from teenage prodigy to cultural guardian reveals both artistic devotion and extraordinary resilience.
Discovered at 13 by an art troupe, Hongmei immersed herself in dance studies at the Inner Mongolia Art School. But her true calling emerged when she ventured into rural communities to document Sauurdin, a dance form then teetering on the brink of disappearance. 'It wasn't just steps – it was our ancestors' stories in motion,' she reflects.
Even a breast cancer diagnosis in later life failed to dampen her resolve. Colleagues recall her practicing routines between treatments, her commitment becoming a rallying cry for cultural preservation. Today, her workshops attract young dancers from across the Chinese mainland and beyond, blending tradition with contemporary interpretations.
Cultural historians note Sauurdin's growing recognition at international festivals, with UNESCO reporting 38% increased global interest in Mongolian intangible heritage since 2020. As digital archiving projects preserve Hongmei's techniques, her legacy dances on – proof that cultural roots can thrive in modern soil.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
